Project Nexus: California’s first solar-covered canals. The initiative that’s been years in the making is now generating electricity while conserving the state’s water supply. The solar panels sit over Turlock Irrigation District canals in Central California. … The project is funded by the state and is a public-private-academic partnership between Turlock Irrigation District, Solar AquaGrid, UC Merced and the California Department of Water Resources. Project Nexus stems from a 2021 research project by UC Merced alumni and project scientist, Brandi McKuin. Her study found covering canals with solar panels reduces evaporation while generating power – and brings other benefits.